A petition has already been launched on Change.org by Mark Oxley with the caption: ‘I and I’m quite sure a high percentage of the UK population agree that now is not the time to have a general election..’

‘..after a second devastating attack I believe it is time to prioritise the safety of our country and its people, that’s why I ask you to call off the general election for the foreseeable future.’

The attacks in London come less than two weeks after the Manchester terror attack in which 22 people were killed and more than 100 were injured.

Prime Minister Theresa May is due to chair a meeting on Sunday morning.

She said: ‘Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism.

‘This is a fast moving investigation. I want to express my huge gratitude to the police and emergency services who are on the scene. Our thoughts are with those who are caught up in these dreadful events.’